2010

This might be the prettiest episode produced by SG-1. There was a grand plot, an interesting new race, and some great team moments. So why did I find it unsatisfying? Well, it fell into the alternate reality trap. Everything in this episode, essentially, never happened, which ultimately devalued the drama. There was some fun speculation, but it had little influence on the series as a whole.

I love to compare the superficial differences in alternate reality episodes. First off, Dr. Fraiser’s hair looked fantastic! She always struck me as the motherly type, but she looked down right foxy with that cut. I liked Sam’s gelled up hair, too. Daniel had a new pair of glasses, which are actually in style now. It took me a couple of moments to realize it, but Teal’c had his tattoo removed.

I thought the triangle between Ambassador Joe, Sam, and Jack was intriguing. It was pretty clear that Jack felt letdown by Sam, and Joe didn’t trust Jack. Since Sam sucks at dating, she must have picked Joe over Jack at some point. It was strangely typical of her to fall for a guy who was complicit in genocide.

There was one other thing that caught my attention. This was the first time I watched this episode since Don S. Davis passed away. It was sad to hear the toast to General Hammond knowing that he really is gone.

Oh, and Kinsey as the President was not a pleasant thought.

My Rating: 7/10

Point of View

This was another alternate reality episode. In the new reality, Kawalsky was still alive, Jack was dead, and Sam was a civilian widow. Apophis had just conquered the world, so their Kawalsky and Sam used the quantum mirror from “There But For the Grace of God” to visit our team. Got it?

I always feel obligated to discuss hair while reviewing alternate reality episodes. Alternate Sam had a cheap wig, which further proved that helmet hair Carter is the best. Teal’c had a pointy soul patch. I actually said, “Dear God” when I first saw that hideous goatee Apophis was sporting. Yuck. 

The highlights of this episode, in my opinion, all dealt with Sam and Jack’s alternate reality marriage. You could tell alternate Sam was a more in touch with her emotions. She was kissing everyone on the cheek, and she finally got a proper hug.

I wanted to kick our Sam in the butt when she gave Jack a sarcastic answer and walked away after he offered to listen her. Grr… Come on! I wonder what was going through her mind when she watched Jack kiss alternate Sam.

A couple of random notes:

• I love it when two Sams speak techno babble and argue with each other.
  
• I loved the glance between Daniel and Jack after Teal’c killed his alternate.
  
• I have included the wedding photo so all the shippers can squeeeee.
  

My Rating: 9/10

There But For the Grace of God

As a general rule, I don’t like alternate reality episodes. This is one of the exceptions. 

Daniel started the show by futzing around with an alien device. In the process, he unknowingly transported himself to a reality in which Earth was being destroyed by a Goa’uld attack fleet. Everything was slightly different, and he was never part of the stargate program. 

Of course, the audience would never believe they were watching an alternate reality unless some of the characters had different haircuts. Sam looked pretty good with long hair, but I’m still a fan of her helmet head. The dead thing on Teal’c was not as flattering. 

Fans of a Sam and Jack relationship got a special treat, because those two were engaged in this reality. If you listen closely, there was even a mumbled, “I love you.” Aww… 

The team in the alternate reality was killed off, but their last act was to help Daniel escape. He transported back to his old dimension with a gate address that just might save Earth. 

My Rating: 7/10